California Governor Gavin Newsom announced state officers have seized and destroyed more than $1.2 billion in illicit cannabis products through the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF). The $609 million seized in 2025 represents an 18 fold increase since 2022.
Through UCETF, which Governor Newsom established in 2022 to coordinate whole-of-government efforts to take down illicit cannabis operations, California has seized and destroyed more than 757,000 pounds of illicit cannabis, conducted more than 670 search warrant operations across 36 counties, eradicated more than 1 million cannabis plants, made 75 arrests and seized more than $2.5 million in cash and 230 firearms.
Co-chaired by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), UCETF enhances collaboration and enforcement coordination among state, local, and federal agencies.
2025 enforcement highlights
In 2025, law enforcement officials conducted 48 operations across 23 counties, executing more than 250 search warrants with more than 60 partner agencies. These efforts led to the seizure and destruction of 188 tons of illicit cannabis worth over $600 million.
Top five counties by seizure amount in 2025
County | Cannabis destroyed | Estimated value |
Los Angeles | 88,141 pounds | $132 million |
Alameda | 81,377 pounds | $134 million |
Monterey | 77,881 pounds | $128.5 million |
Kern | 52,151 pounds | $86 million |
Tulare | 32,218 pounds | $53 million |
